Dangote Joins Global Business Leaders in World Bank Lab for Economic Growth

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s foremost industrialist and the President of Dangote Group, has officially accepted his appointment to the World Bank’s newly established Private Sector Investment Lab, an elite panel of global business leaders assembled to spearhead strategic investments and employment initiatives across emerging economies.

The Lab, which forms a cornerstone of the World Bank’s renewed efforts to unlock private capital for development, is designed to address the persistent challenges of limited investment in sectors critical to long-term economic growth, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. By bringing together influential leaders from across industries, the Lab aims to craft actionable solutions that remove barriers to investment and catalyze job creation through private sector-led development.

Dangote’s acceptance into this initiative underscores his continued influence in shaping economic discourse beyond Africa. With decades of experience building Africa’s largest industrial conglomerate — spanning cement, agriculture, petrochemicals, and most recently, a world-class oil refinery — Dangote brings a wealth of practical knowledge in mobilizing capital, navigating complex regulatory environments, and scaling enterprise in frontier markets.

In a statement, Dangote expressed gratitude for the appointment and emphasized the importance of private investment in transforming emerging economies.

“I am deeply honored to join the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab. Africa and other developing regions possess immense potential, but realizing that potential depends on our ability to create the right conditions for investment. I look forward to contributing toward building a framework that encourages sustainable economic growth and employment,” he said.

The World Bank highlighted that the Lab’s primary focus areas will include improving the investment climate, accelerating infrastructure development, and exploring innovative financing models to engage private entities in traditionally public-sector-dominated spaces. As a key figure in African business, Dangote’s role will be instrumental in bringing a regional perspective and advancing policies that make investment more viable across the continent.

Economic analysts have welcomed Dangote’s inclusion, describing it as a strategic move that could amplify Africa’s voice on global platforms while inspiring confidence among international investors. His appointment signals growing recognition of African business leadership in shaping the global economic future and reflects a broader shift towards inclusive, private-sector-led development solutions.